ZOFRAN TABS (Ondansetron) by NOVARTIS

Description

Zofran Tablets contain Ondansetron, a potent and highly selective 5-HT₃ (serotonin type 3) receptor antagonist manufactured by Novartis Pakistan, that works by blocking 5-HT₃ receptors located both peripherally on vagal nerve terminals in the gastrointestinal tract and centrally in the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) of the area postrema, thereby interrupting the serotonin-mediated emetic reflex pathway and providing powerful and reliable prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting without the sedative, extrapyramidal, or dopaminergic side effects associated with older antiemetics such as metoclopramide and prochlorperazine. It is primarily indicated for the prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting induced by highly and moderately emetogenic chemotherapy, radiotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (RINV), and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), representing a major advancement in antiemetic therapy that significantly improved the tolerability of cancer chemotherapy and transformed patient quality of life during oncological treatment. Available in 4mg and 8mg tablet strengths, the typical adult dosing for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting is 8mg taken 1–2 hours before chemotherapy, followed by 8mg 12 hours later, with subsequent doses continued for 1–2 days post-chemotherapy to prevent delayed emesis, while for PONV the dose is 4–8mg administered before induction of anesthesia or postoperatively as needed. Zofran is generally very well tolerated with an excellent safety profile; however, headache, constipation, flushing, and transient asymptomatic elevations in liver enzymes are among the most commonly reported side effects, and QT interval prolongation has been identified as a dose-dependent cardiac risk requiring caution in patients with congenital long QT syndrome, electrolyte abnormalities, or those on other QT-prolonging medications.